Get to know Janine

JANINE WARNER – SENIOR DIGITAL DESIGNER

Janine is one of team Orion’s Senior Digital Designers and has been with us for three and a half years. With a talent for juggling multiple tasks at once, she fits right in with the crazy, fast-paced yet fun vibe at Orion Creative. And with a varied skillset of design experience under her belt, there’s no job too big or small for Janine – including a massive 1000+ page product catalogue that she single-handedly managed and designed!

When she’s not busy dealing with various clients, Janine can be found getting her adrenaline fix zooming around on her motorcycle, playing roller derby and horse-riding! Our resident thrill-seeker has discovered a knack for jewellery making when she’s after an activity that’s a little more relaxing.

How long have you been a designer?

Over 13 years as a graphic designer and about another three years as a desktop publisher before that.

How did you get into design?

I landed a job in radio back in 2001 where I worked in the sales team creating presentations and sales proposals. Having the opportunity to use a bit of creativity in the presentations was part of the job I really enjoyed. After a few years, I made the decision I wanted to learn design in a more professional capacity and enrolled in Design College. Since then, I’ve worked in pretty much every facet of design – print, packaging, magazines, events, in-house, agency, online and digital spaces.

What’s your design strength?

I’ve found I’ve always loved producing long, bulky corporate documents like annual reports and catalogues. Most designers hate them because they can feel creatively restricted sometimes, but I find the technical side and systems you can create through the design process is quite satisfying!

Over the years I’ve gravitated towards online and front-end development, because I really enjoy coding. It’s great to watch the evolution of something like eDM design. I remember how clunky and limited it was in the beginning, but it’s expanding all the time – especially since the introduction of responsive design. More and more techniques are becoming possible. I’m sure the capabilities will eventually catch up with web design!

Outside of design, what sorts of things inspire and influence your work?

I’ve recently started jewellery making, working with sterling silver to create rings and bracelets. I’ve wanted to learn to work with metal for a long time. Even back in high school I used to manipulate bits and pieces of wire to make sculptures and clothing as part of art projects. I love the whole process – measuring, sawing, soldering, filing and polishing. I’m finding it very cathartic and the bonus is you get an awesome shiny thing at the end!

How long have you been working at Orion?

About three and a half years now.

What’s the biggest project you’ve worked on at Orion?

Handling the design and project management of an annual product catalogue we produce for one of our clients. This year it consisted of more than 1000 pages and around 9500 products. It is extremely involved, but seeing the final product come to life is very rewarding.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My long held passion, for nearly 20 years now, is motorbikes. It’s my main mode of transport and I love the social aspect of it. I’m lucky enough to live in the Hawkesbury, where there are amazing rides right on my doorstep. On a sunny Sunday morning I will most likely be found on Bells Line of Road, up the Putty, or along Wisemans Ferry Road.

Fun or little-known facts about you that would surprise us?

I’ve been playing roller derby for about four years. Between training and competition bouts, I’m not left with much free time! It’s a strategic, full-contact sport on roller skates. I love that it’s such an inclusive sport that is gaining momentum over the world. Australia just became the current world champions, which is inspiring!

I also once rode at national level dressage when I was much (much!) younger. I still have a horse – currently a Thoroughbred ex-racehorse named Lost (as in ‘Lost Da Fortune’ which was his owner’s result of his so-called ‘racing’ career!). Sadly I don’t get as much time as I’d like to ride any more.

Want to take a look at what the rest of the Orion crew? See more here.